Jim & Caranita Wolsieffer have been working in Italy since 1971. When they arrived, they set out to learn the language, customs, and culture of the Italian people. Since then, Jim and Caranita have worked in this difficult field, using a variety of means to reach the Italians with the Gospel of Christ. They have been involved in church ministry, youth outreach, radio ministry, telephone crisis hotlines, and personal counseling.

In 1983, the Wolsieffers developed a radio ministry that would reach into the community. Many contacts were made, souls were won to Christ and the Christian programs were played in homes and stores. Government restrictions caused private radio stations to close down in 1991. In order to continue reaching into private homes, a telephone ministry was developed. Over a thousand calls came in during the first nine month period, demonstrating the hunger for programming that was removed from the radio. Calls also came in from many looking for help for their personal problems and conflicts. They received phone calls from children in abusive situations, couples facing marital problems, and people suffering from substance abuse.

The needs of the people were great, but the workers were few. In the six churches in Southern Italy, there were only 2 full-time ministers. With a lack of trained leadership, it became clear that the churches were ill-equipped to meet the needs of the Italian people. In January of 1996, the Lord led the Wolsieffers to an old Italian farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove with approximately 11,000 sq. feet of space.

With much renovation, the old farmhouse was converted into a Christian Resource, Training, and Counseling center called “Risorse del Levante” or “Resources on the Horizon.” Now the center is alive with youth activities, training programs, Christian counseling, and special workshops and seminars. Even the local chapter of the Red Cross has asked the Wolsieffers to host and teach their counseling skills to the workers.

Italy for Christ continues its work to reach out to the people of Italy through youth programs, Christian counseling, leadership training, and personal evangelism. Please contact us today!